Calcium

At a Glance

Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. Calcium is known for its importance to bone and teeth health, but it has other important jobs, too: for example, it regulates nerve impulse transmissions, muscle contractions, and hormone secretions. Calcium-rich foods include beans, broccoli and other green vegetables, as well as almonds and dairy products.

Overview

Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. Parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, vitamin D, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts all help to maintain calcium levels in the body.

Food Sources

Deficiencies

Common symptoms and resulting conditions of calcium deficiency include:

Low bone mineral density

Rickets

Osteomalacia

Osteoporosis

Perioral numbness

Tetany.

However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or deficiency in certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.

Excess/Toxicity

Common symptoms of calcium excess/toxicity include:

Nausea

Vomiting

Constipation

Dry mouth

Thirst

Increased urination

Kidney stones

Soft tissue calcification.

However, your individual response could be different. If you suspect a health problem or an excess of certain nutrients, please see your primary health care provider (doctor, naturopath, etc). They can help unravel the complexity of your physiology.

Recipe

For recipes rich in calcium, check out any of the Encyclopedia of Food entries for food items listed above.

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Related Foods

At a Glance

Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. Calcium is known for its importance to bone and teeth health, but it has other important jobs, too: for example, it regulates nerve impulse transmissions, muscle contractions, and hormone secretions. Calcium-rich foods include beans, broccoli and other green vegetables, as well as almonds and dairy products.